Archive for May, 2014

“From the day of the Ascension until Pentecost stay in spirit in the cenacle with the apostles and the other holy ones to invite the Holy Spirit to come into you and make you all aflame with love.” [St. Paul of the Cross to Marianna Alveraz, May 1737]

My Jesus, I place all my sins before you. In my estimation they do not deserve pardon, but I ask you …. To close your eyes to my want of merit and to open them to your infinite merit. Since you willed to die for my sins, grant me forgiveness of all of them. Thus, I may no longer feel the burden of my sins, a burden that oppresses me beyond measure. Assist me, Jesus, for I desire to become good no matter what the cost. Take away, destroy, and utterly root out whatever you find in me that is contrary to your will. At the same time, dear Jesus, illumine me so that I may walk in your holy light. – St. Gemma Galgani

[taken from A Short Life of St. Gemma Galgani, Fr. Gerard Mahony, C.P., March 2006]